A tale of two countries – Chinese footballers' British struggles
Updated: 2015-10-22 09:15
(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
Fan Zhiyi – General Fan the talisman
Crystal Palace (1998-2001)
 |
|
File photo of Fan Zhiyi at Crystal Palace. [Photo/CFP] |
Only two former Premier League players could be referred to as "General Fan" in Chinese.
One is Dutch striker Robin van Persie, whose fiery performances for Arsenal and Manchester United like a general rules the world earned him the nickname that combined Chinese translation of “van”, and the other is retired Chinese international Fan Zhiyi.
Then manager Terry Venables brought Fan to Crystal Palace in 1998 when the now Premier League club was still reeling in the second-tier division.
Equally impressive in midfield and center-half, the Chinese was soon named captain and won the club's player of the year award in 2001.
After three successful seasons with the London-based club, Fan moved to Scottish Premier League side Dundee in 2001. A year later he joined Cardiff City, the last stop on his Britain journey.
China and UK in the eyes of each other's painters
President Xi, first lady Peng attend Guildhall banquet in London
President Xi visits Imperial College London
Peng visits Fortismere School in London
Chinese footballers' British struggles
Top 19 Chinese CEOs accompanying Xi to UK
Royal toast: Queen hosts state banquet for visiting Xi
Xi and first lady visit British royal collections' Chinese items
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today's Top News
Tu first Chinese to win Nobel Prize in Medicine
Huntsman says Sino-US relationship needs common goals
Xi pledges $2 billion to help developing countries
Young people from US look forward to Xi's state visit: Survey
US to accept more refugees than planned
Li calls on State-owned firms to tap more global markets
Apple's iOS App Store suffers first major attack
Japan enacts new security laws to overturn postwar pacifism
US Weekly
|
|
